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Blue –green algae is blooming in ponds and lakes across the country. Ponds and beaches are closing throughout the country due to toxic algae.

The algae season is in full bloom and some of it can even be deadly. With the summer temperatures rising, the algae blooms are growing.

Algae is commonly referred to as Seaweed, Pond Scum, or Pond Moss and can be found in almost any habitat on earth as long as moisture is there at some time, even if that time is very short. Depending on the algae, water can often become unsuitable for fish, swimming, and other animals. There are many groups of algae, but it is mostly divided into two different physical categories: Filamentous Algae and Planktonic Algae.

Filamentous algae may seem like long stringy hairs, cotton-like in appearance. Filamentous algae can form thick, greenish looking mats on the water’s surface. Planktonic algae can appear as a paint-like scum on top of the water’s surface. The water column turns green, blue-green, or variations throughout and is often described as “pea soup.”

“With all of the rain that we have been receiving here in MN, the nutrient levels in ponds and lakes are climbing due to the run off of chemicals and fertilizers. We are seeing a lot of algal blooms this summer,” says Chad Hadler, Service Operations Manager at Lake Restoration. “If you are going to be in the water, be on the look-out for blue-green algal blooms.”

Cyanobacteria, also known as Blue-Green Algae, which contain harmful bacteria, can be dangerous to pets and humans. The scum can often smell like sewage or manure. Not all blue-green algae is toxic. We recommend using Mizzen® algaecide to combat algae blooms to keep scum levels under control and prevent toxic algae from forming. If you or your pets have come in contact with water that has an algae bloom, we recommend thoroughly washing with clean water and then contacting your health care provider if you begin to experience any symptoms.

Mizzen® is a chelated copper based algaecide and may be used in many types of water bodies, including ponds, lakes or water features. It is manufactured by Lake Restoration and is available in four convenient sizes. The treatment of 2,500 square feet of surface area costs $14.75, 5,000 square feet $18.95, 10,000 square feet $27.00 and approximately half an acre $31.95. For ongoing algae management or for larger bodies of water, Mizzen® is available at a special gallon rate.